By: Ganindra Napitupulu )*
The government continues to be committed to implementing national priority programs, one of which is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) which aims to provide access to healthy and nutritious food to school-age children throughout the country. As part of efforts to build Indonesia’s golden generation, this program is not only a form of the state’s presence in the daily lives of the community, but also a symbol of real commitment to improving national nutrition.
In its implementation, the MBG Program is designed with a layered system to ensure effectiveness and accuracy of targets. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as the main implementer of the program, continues to make various improvements in budget governance and supervision, including tightening cooperation with partners. The goal is clear: to prevent potential misuse of public funds and ensure that every rupiah from the state budget actually reaches the beneficiaries.
The Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that the partner selection process will be tightened, especially for partners who work in partnership schemes or partner with third parties. This step is a real form of caution as well as strengthening shared responsibility in implementing this strategic program. BGN will be more selective in determining partners who can cooperate in the development of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).
BGN has also built a virtual account-based payment system equipped with a multi-layered security mechanism. Funds can only be disbursed with the approval of the Head of SPPG, so that the potential for irregularities can be minimized from the start. This mechanism is proof that the MBG program financial system is designed carefully and is oriented towards transparency and accountability.
Efforts to strengthen the governance of this program have also received support from various parties, including the Indonesian House of Representatives. Member of Commission IX of the DPR, Irma Suryani Chaniago, welcomed the steps to strengthen supervision in the implementation of MBG. According to her, because MBG concerns the basic needs of the community, its management must be extra strict. She emphasized that the distribution system and budget management must continue to be improved so that this program is increasingly optimal.
In addition to urban areas, the implementation of the MBG program in 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) areas, including Tanah Papua, is also a government priority. In these areas, implementation challenges such as limited infrastructure and logistics are a serious concern. The Papua Province Financial and Development Audit Agency (BPKP) has directly monitored the implementation of the MBG program.
The Head of BPKP Papua, Sapto Agung Riyadi, said that supervision is focused on the effectiveness of distribution, the number of beneficiaries, and the suitability of the price per portion in the field. In several areas in Papua, such as Merauke, Yahukimo, and Wamena, it was found that the price of food portions needs to be adjusted to the geographical conditions and accessibility of the area. The government is also open to this price flexibility in order to ensure the sustainability of the program and maintain the quality of the food provided.
In the near future, BPKP together with BGN will continue to synergize to ensure that the distribution and implementation of the MBG program in these areas can run optimally. Supervision is carried out comprehensively, from the planning level to the final implementation report, with the principle of transparency and participation of various parties. This is a concrete form of synergy between institutions in supporting the government’s priority programs.
BGN is also committed to continuing to provide guidance to all employees and partners involved in the implementation of SPPG. This aims to create a healthy, productive, and high-integrity work ecosystem. With continuous coaching, all implementing elements are expected to be able to carry out their duties professionally and maintain the program’s mandate.
Through preventive measures and continuous system improvements, the government hopes that the MBG program can be an example of the success of a national nutrition program that is integrated, transparent, and adaptive to challenges in the field. Periodic evaluations, system improvements, and strict selection of partners are important pillars in ensuring that this program truly has a positive and real impact on Indonesian children.
The MBG program is an investment for the future. Providing Indonesian children with access to nutritious food is not just about feeding them, but also providing hope and a strong foundation for building a smart and healthy generation. Therefore, cooperation between the government, implementing partners, supervisory institutions, and the community is very important to maintain the integrity and sustainability of this program.
The government is optimistic that with the synergy of all parties and continuous system improvements, the MBG program will continue to grow into an important milestone in developmentthe use of healthy, superior, and globally competitive Indonesian people. Now is the time to strengthen collaboration, maintain integrity, and grow trust so that the nation’s priority programs truly produce the greatest results for the people.
With the spirit of collaboration and strengthening governance, the government is optimistic that the Free Nutritious Meal Program will continue to grow as a proud flagship program, as well as becoming a real manifestation of the state’s presence in creating a healthier and brighter future for all children of the nation.
)* The author is a public policy observer